Friday, February 26, 2010

Two things: today is Laura's 9th birthday. I am not sure how this is possible, since I don't feel even one day older since the day she was born. But I will say that on the day that she was born, all the angels got together, and decided to create a dream come true, so they sprinkled something in her hair and something something something eyes so blue! (Anyone who knows that song, please fill in.) I love that girl. She is spending tonight at another little girl's slumber party, hers is next week. She said, "I will try not to hog the spotlight." And all last night and this morning I forgot it was her birthday, until after she was already at school. I am going to swing by the store and get some cupcakes for after school. And maybe give her her present before her actual party. I think I was nine when I got my first iPod shuffle, weren't you?

And Hank. This morning somehow we overslept--he miraculously slept until after 9--and I woke up with twenty minutes to make his lunch, dress him, and take him to preschool. I ran downstairs, assembled a PB&J lunch, then ran back upstairs to drag him out of bed. He protested and said, "Can't I play with toys for a minute?" I needed to think quickly, so I dug deep and said, "If you come and get in the car right now, I will give you some M&Ms on the way." He cheerfully complied. Oh yes he did. Please look for my forthcoming book on parenting and child nutrition. I did give him a banana first.

I have more to say about the bunco night I attended this week. Oh yes I do have more to say. But I have to run right now. Happy Friday my dears.

So they sprinkled moondust in your hair and golden starlight in your eyes of blue. . .I am a Carpenter's nerd!Happy Birthday Laura!AND I'd be happy to write a chapter for your nutrition book called "Cookies are better than an empty stomach." ;>)

you are not the first mother to bribe a child into the car on a school day with processed food/sugar. I used Nerds a few weeks ago. not proud.happy birthday to your sweet girl. ipod shuffle is perfect. my 10 year old has one too.

Thank you for the parenting tip. I had to let my little girl take her Dora blanket to preschool today. That would be the blanket that fits a twin size bed and wouldn't fit in her cubby. But that's what it took to get her in the car. Next time I'll try the M&M's.

And woohoo, it's a Carpenter's throwdown! After Dana helpfully provided those lyrics, I was singing them to Laura this afternoon, and then I went on and found myself singing, "And that's why, all the guys in town, follow you (follow you) all around!" Then I stopped 'cause it seemed weird to be singing that. Not sure it's the right lyrics. Maybe I should stick to songs I know. Like Happy Birthday.

And re: peanuts. There are some "peanut-free" classrooms at Hank's school, because I don't think you can trust toddlers not to eat each other's food, but his isn't one of them. And Laura's school has no rule like that either. Interesting how different places are reacting to the allergy problem.

Oh, and on parenting? I don't know a lot about nutrition , but here it is 8:30 on the sixth night of my husband being out of town, and Oscar is awake, in my bed, watching Nick Jr. And I'm okay with that. So perhaps I could contribute a chapter on, um, television as an educational sleep aide?

You may remember that, shortly after her birth, I expressed doubts that you and Matt could rear an extraordinary child like Laura without the aid of a blue ribbon panel. I turns out that y'all have done just fine. Laura is a rare gem of a child.

As for Hank, I think you should post about the other night's bedtime conversation with you. It gives a more complete perspective on your parenting.

Are you sure she is just 9? (you know, the height photo). JK! Sorry. My 3rd grader has a Sept b-day so he is one of the oldest in the class. I'm in such denial over the double digits on the next b-day.And YES to the candy bribe. You are very prepared for emergencies to have had some in the house!

I'm pretty sure we used bribing on Veronica -- in the form of star charts (when you fill in all the stars, you get something you've been wanting). I remember that when she was 8, she wanted her ears pierced, and made up her own star chart for piano practicing -- said she could get her ears pierced when she filled in all the stars. Very clever to make up her own bribe and reward. It worked!